Pneumonia

Patients who sleep or rest with their bed angled at 30-45 degrees are less likely to get pneumonia in the hospital.

Most cases of pneumonia developed in the hospital are among patients
who need a breathing tube (ventilator) which becomes contaminated with bacteria—this type is commonly known as “ventilator-associated pneumonia,” or VAP for short.

VAP is a life-threatening infection and lengthens a typical hospital stay by 13 days.

One little thing you can do will help in a big way! Make sure your loved one’s mattress is angled — many studies have shown that all patients with lung conditions, especially those needing breathing tubes, are far less likely to develop pneumonia if they rest at a 30-45 degree angle so fluids won’t pool in their lungs.

CampaignZERO offers more tips and info to help your loved one avoid pneumonia in this simple checklist — check it out!

There are other hospital hazards you can help prevent. Be informed, be pro-active!